Bell Fellows Program

The Center established the Bell Fellows program in 2009 for graduate students who were interested in the work of the Center and are interested in academic careers as professors or postdoctoral researchers. This program is designated for Ohio State doctoral students who show much promise of becoming productive scholars on topics related to African American males. More specifically, it includes ongoing professional development and mentorship that will prepare students for the academic rigors of the academy. Individuals selected for the program contribute to current and new research initiatives and writing projects designed by the Bell Resource Center.

Rationale

According to national data, there is a critical shortage of African American professors in higher education. There is also a dearth of social scientists that focus their scholarly pursuits on African American males throughout the lifespan. Therefore, it is essential that the Center committed to mentoring the next generation of professors, scholars, and researchers who focus their professional efforts on African American males.

Goals

The Center uses this initiative to increase the pipeline of scholars, and the number of social scientists in general, whose research focus is on African American males throughout the lifespan.

Since the program's inception in 2009, forty-four (44) Bell Fellows have completed their doctoral work (PhD, MD, EdD, JD).